Sydney chef Phil Wood moves to Point Leo Estate Restaurant on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula

• Review: Doot Doot Doot at Jackalope hotel, Mornington Peninsula

Victoria has lured another huge name Sydney chef south. Phil Wood, a man in demand since Neil Perry pulled the pin on his city fine diner, Eleven Bridge, is set to join the Gandel family's $50 million sculpture park, vineyard and dining destination on the Mornington Peninsula.

"We are delighted that Phil Wood will be joining us as culinary director. It's not every day one of the world's great three-hat chefs becomes available on the market and we are honoured he has chosen us," a Point Leo Estate spokeswoman confirmed.

Wood is widely seen as one of the best cooking talents in the country.

The ex-Rockpool chef has had no shortage of offers since Eleven Bridge closed, with hotels and a bevy of upcoming venues both here and overseas keen to secure his services. His new digs on the Mornington Peninsula will open late spring, the impressive estate possessing sweeping water views.

Sepia's Martin Benn has also announced he'll leave Sydney in 2018 to open an upmarket restaurant in Melbourne with restaurateur Chris Lucas.